PARIS, France (NEXSTAR) — In a thrilling finish at the Paris Olympics, Cole Hocker set an Olympic record in the men’s 1,500m. Hocker described the experience as surreal and credited his physical and mental preparation for the victory. Fellow athlete Yared Nuguse earned a bronze medal in the same race. KXAN TV’s Jala Washington talked with the Olympians after their victory.

Jala Washington: First of all, let’s take a look. Yeah, Amazing.

Jala Washington: You literally came out of nowhere and broke an Olympic… you set an Olympic record. What was that race like for you today?

Cole Hocker: It was like just surreal. I mean, there’s so many words I could use to describe it, but I can’t seem to find one that’s fitting. But it was just unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. And the stadium was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The support has been unbelievable, and with 50 meters to go, I was fully conscious that this was the Olympics and that I was about to win the Olympics.

Cole Hocker: And I’m still trying to, you know, grapple with that.

Jala Washington: What did it take to get it done? How did you… Like you said, it’s unlike anything you experienced. How did you literally just kick it into full… I mean, you were speeding?

Cole Hocker: Yeah, I think it took everything. The physical side is one thing. You know, I knew I was in top physical shape, the best shape I’ve ever been in, and that I could take full advantage of that. But the mental side is just another aspect that’s, you know, I think, almost harder. The pressure felt crushing and, you know, as the moment gets closer, it gets built up more and more and more.

Cole Hocker: And I, you know, I’m just so relieved to have it done and with no regrets at all.

Jala Washington: A quick reaction to your bronze today?

Yared Nuguse: Yeah, I’m just so ecstatic about it. I knew I could fight for a medal if I really, like, put myself out there and, like, fight for it. And I think that race just kind of ended up perfectly for me to just, like, really show everyone what I’m capable of and to come in as a bronze. It’s just such an honor.